Hi guys,

I want to start showing my Shar Pei (Harvey). He's 6 months old at the moment and I was going to enter him in to the Shar Pei Club GB Open Show but was worried I'd be out of my depth.

I've heard that the best way to start is at a limit show.

What's the difference between limit, open and championship?

If limit is a good way to start then where can I find a competition. The Shar Pei clubs have no limit shows in the near future.

Sorry to waffle on but this whole dog showing thing is really complicated. Shame, cos I bet there's some lovely pet dogs out there that are true ambassadors to their breed but their owners are put off by the formality of it all.

Anyway,

Look forward to your responses.

Thanks
Paul

Hi
just go for it!!! My first show was Blackpool championship show and although we we're last we had a wonderful day.
The main difference between types of shows is size....300-400 dogs at a open show 10,000-12,000 at a champ!!
As for complicated...it will all fall into place...don't worry!
Archer

Hi Archer,

Thanks for the message.

Are they really strict on how you show your dog? For example, Harvey has a habit of sitting during stands and stuff. With the pulling on the lead thing too I'm worried about when we trot around the ring.

What dog do you have?

Paul

Hi
don't worry...pups aren't expected to behave properly in the ring .A good freind of mine who is very well known in the breed took her 6 month old pup to a champ show and she promptly rolled over for the judge to give her a belly rub!
Just treat the day as a fun day out for you and your dog...and have fun!!
I have elkhounds and a shiba inu.
Archer

Hi Paul, a breed club open show would be a fantastic place to start. Just think, all those like minded people all in the same place, you could get talking and learn loads. I would definately enter that one.

Have you had Harvey to ringcraft classes? If so you'll both have the hang of the procedure at least. Don't go expecting miracles, Harvey is only a baby, and allowances will be made, just do your best and enjoy it, that's the main thing.

Good Luck
Dawn R.

Hi Dawn,

Thanks for you message.

I haven't been able to take him to ring craft because there doesn't seem to be any classes in my area.

We're perfecting the stand but he's a nightmare on the lead and does nothing but pull. Do you think calming tablets would help?

I take it you've shown dogs before, if so what breed you into?

Regards
Paul

I would post a post on here saying what area you live and some one will give you an address and times etc of a ring class near you ,not only is it good for experience but schedules are avaiable for up and coming shows and you get to pick up tips to and i find the social side really friendly.

John

Forget the tablets....a puppy is allowed to be spirited and somewhat naughty.Just go along and do your best and I'm sure when you get speaking to other pug owners they will be more than willing to offer you any help you need
Archer

Hi Paul, there will be no need to give Harvey tablets, as Archer says he's allowed to misbehave a bit at his age. What general area do you live in, we might be able to suggest a ringcraft class? Does Harveys breeder show their dogs? If so, they should be able to offer you some advice and support too.

Keep practising! :)

My breeds are American Cocker Spaniels and Irish Setters.

Regards Dawn R.
ps If you are interested I can give you a website of a Shar Pei breeder I know, You'll love it.

my beagle still misbehaves and she's nearly 3!! lol - what's her excuse?

sarah

My girls is 5 1/2 and a Champion yet she can be very naughty :D

It took me about 3 champ shows before my pup would stand still long enough for the judge to look at him :rolleyes:  Its all good fun though and its just great when it all comes together :p

Why not try out a couple of companion shows :)

I'll be honest if I had done companion shows first I may have never gone into showing 'properly'.
Archer

My daughter is trying to take the big leap into AKC shows over here(US). She's showed dogs through a program called 4H (both in showmanship & obedience)and has gotten 2 obedience titles on 2 dogs. We keep hearing how political showing can be, and are becoming more & more nervous about it. People can be very nasty in the ring I hear too, like running up on you and your dog. I personally think if a judge sees things like that he should put them out, but the judges never seem to 'see' anything.
My daughter has also decided to quit training her havanese in obedience first because they would sit instead of stand everytime they were baited, and the judge would go over them. Since she stopped our one male is doing tons better.
She did not have the same problem with our shelties though---guess different breeds react differently.
I think we must be brave & take the leap (hopefully not with our eyes closed!lol)
Carissa